Land animal trap and barrier

ABSTRACT

A snake snare barrier comprising a first layer of netting and a second layer of netting, the first layer defining a first plurality of through holes of a first size, the second layer defining a second plurality of through holes of a second size, the netting being flexible under its own weight along substantially an entire length and width, the netting being capable of being unrolled along the length and draped across a top of a vertical support, and the netting substantially conforming to a shape of the vertical support under its own weight after being draped thereupon, the first layer having each edge substantially not connected to any edge of the second layer, and each layer has a width that measures between 9 inches and 24 inches.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/PRIORITY

The present invention claims priority to United States ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/348,244 filed Jun. 10, 2016, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/620,071, filed Feb. 20, 2019, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/280,142, filed Jun. 12, 2017 each three beingincorporated by reference into the present disclosure as if fullyrestated herein. Any conflict between the incorporated material and thespecific teachings of this disclosure shall be resolved in favor of thelatter. Likewise, any conflict between an art-understood definition of aword or phrase and a definition of the word or phrase as specificallytaught in this disclosure shall be resolved in favor of the latter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Snakes and rodents readily traverse boundaries that effectively keep outlarger mammals and humans, like cyclone fences and rote iron fences.There is a current and seemingly intractable need to for a barrier todeter and or catch different sized snakes and/or rodents, whilepreferably having minimal impact on the visual surroundings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Wherefore, it is an object of the present invention to overcome theabove mentioned shortcomings and drawbacks associated with the currenttechnology. The present invention is directed to methods and apparatusesrelated to land animal snare barriers comprising a line of nettinghaving a first layer and a second layer. The first layer has throughholes of a first size. The second layer has through holes of a secondsize.

The disclosed invention is related to a land animal snare barriercomprising a netting having a first layer and a second layer, the firstlayer defining a first plurality of through holes of a first size, andthe second layer defining a second plurality of through holes of asecond size. According to a further embodiment the first size ispreferably at least 20% larger than the second size, more preferably atleast 50% larger than the second size, most preferably at least 100%larger than the second size. According to a further embodimentsubstantially all of through holes in the first layer are larger thansubstantially all of the through holes in the second layer According toa further embodiment the netting further comprises a third layerdefining through holes of a third size. According to a furtherembodiment substantially all of the through holes in the first layer arelarger than substantially all of the through holes in the second layer,and substantially all of the through holes of the second layer arelarger than substantially all of the through holes of the third layer.According to a further embodiment the second layer is between the firstlayer and the third layer. According to a further embodiment the nettingfurther comprises a fourth layer defining through holes of a fourthsize. According to a further embodiment substantially all of the throughholes in the first layer are larger than substantially all of thethrough holes in the second layer, substantially all of the throughholes of the second layer are larger than substantially all of thethrough holes of the third layer, substantially all of the through holesof the third layer are larger than substantially all of the throughholes of the third layer, the second layer is between the first layerand the third layer, and the third layer is between the second layer andthe fourth layer. According to a further embodiment the first throughholes are between 1 inch wide and ¾ inch wide, the second through holesare between ¾ inch wide and ½ inch wide, the third through holes arebetween ½ inch wide and ¼ inch wide, the fourth through holes arebetween ¼ inch wide and ⅛ inch wide. According to a further embodimentthe first through holes may be one of between 1 inch wide and ¾ inchwide, between ¾ inch wide and ½ inch wide, between ½ inch wide and ¼inch wide, and between ¼ inch wide and ⅛ inch wide, and the secondthrough holes may be one of between 1 inch wide and ¾ inch wide, between¾ inch wide and ½ inch wide, between ½ inch wide and ¼ inch wide, andbetween ¼ inch wide and ⅛ inch wide. According to a further embodiment,one or more vertical supports attach to the netting. According to afurther embodiment, one or more ground attachments attach the netting tothe ground. According to a further embodiment the netting is one ofsubstantially transparent and substantially translucent. According to afurther embodiment the first layer and the second layer aresubstantially continuously attached to one another along a length of thenetting at a seam. According to a further embodiment the first layer andthe second layer are each between 18 inches and 48 inches wide.

The disclosed invention further relates to a land animal snare barrierkit comprising a netting having a first layer and a second layer, withthe first layer defining first through holes of a first size, the secondlayer defining second through holes of a second size, and the first sizebeing larger than the second size, a vertical support, and a pluralityof vertical attachments to attach the netting to the vertical support.According to a further embodiment, the kit includes one or more groundattachments to attach the netting to the ground. According to a furtherembodiment the one or more ground attachments is one of a weight, a lawnstaple, and a stake. According to a further embodiment the nettingfurther comprises a third layer defining third through holes of a thirdsize, and the second size being larger than the third size, and thefirst layer, the second layer, and the third layer being substantiallycontinuously connected to one another at a seam. According to a furtherembodiment the kit includes a netting sensor that detects and transmitsalerts when an animal is snared in the netting.

The disclosed invention further relates to a method for blocking orsnaring land animals comprising attaching a netting to a verticalsupport with vertical attachments along a perimeter to be protected,wherein the netting has a first layer and a second layer substantiallycontinuously attached to one another along a seam, with the first layerdefining first through holes of a first size, the second layer definingsecond through holes of a second size, and the first size being largerthan the second size.

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with theaccompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.The present invention may address one or more of the problems anddeficiencies of the current technology discussed above. However, it iscontemplated that the invention may prove useful in addressing otherproblems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore theclaimed invention should not necessarily be construed as limited toaddressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussedherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate various embodiments of theinvention and together with the general description of the inventiongiven above and the detailed description of the drawings given below,serve to explain the principles of the invention. It is to beappreciated that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scalesince the emphasis is instead placed on illustrating the principles ofthe invention. The invention will now be described, by way of example,with reference to the accompanying figures in which

FIG. 1 is a cross section of a first embodiment of the snare barrieraccording to the present invention with two layers of netting attachedto a wooden stake;

FIG. 2 is a cross section of a second embodiment of the snare barrieraccording to the present invention with four layers of netting attachedto a wooden fence;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the netting in FIG. 1 laid out;

FIG. 4 is a partial close up view on the first layer of the netting ofFIG. 3 in the dashed box F4; and

FIG. 5 is a view of exemplary first, second, third, and fourth layersaccording to the principles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be understood by reference to the followingdetailed description, which should be read in conjunction with theappended drawings. It is to be appreciated that the following detaileddescription of various embodiments is by way of example only and is notmeant to limit, in any way, the scope of the present invention. In thesummary above, in the following detailed description, in the claimsbelow, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particularfeatures (including method steps) of the present invention. It is to beunderstood that the disclosure of the invention in this specificationincludes all possible combinations of such particular features, not justthose explicitly described. For example, where a particular feature isdisclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of theinvention or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to theextent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of otherparticular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in theinvention generally. The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalentsthereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients,steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising”(or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e.,contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only componentsA, B, and C but also one or more other components. Where reference ismade herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, thedefined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (exceptwhere the context excludes that possibility), and the method can includeone or more other steps which are carried out before any of the definedsteps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps(except where the context excludes that possibility).

The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote thestart of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range havingan upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable beingdefined). For example “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “atmost” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a rangeending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lowerlimit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variablebeing defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “atmost 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, arange is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a firstnumber)-(a second number),” this means a range whose lower limit is thefirst number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25to 100 mm means a range whose lower limit is 25 mm, and whose upperlimit is 100 mm. The embodiments set forth the below represent thenecessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice theinvention and illustrate the best mode of practicing the invention. Inaddition, the invention does not require that all the advantageousfeatures and all the advantages need to be incorporated into everyembodiment of the invention.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-4, a brief description concerning the variouscomponents of the present invention will now be briefly discussed.

The present invention relates to methods and devices of a low visibilityreptile barrier and rodent deterrent system, or a snare barrier 2. Thesnare barrier 2 comprises a portion netting 4 with a first layer 6 and asecond layer 8. The snare barrier 2 of acts to entangle or “snare”different size reptiles such as skinks, monitors, snakes, dragons etc.in a way that makes it highly unlikely that the snakes will escape. Thesnare barrier deters small rodents such as squirrels, rats, marmots,prairie dogs, etc. Additionally; according to one embodiment, the snarebarrier 2 remains highly unseen in the given environment in which it isinstalled, preferably having a minor to very minor visualimpression/visual foot print. The netting 4 is preferably designed totrap and bind snakes of most to all sizes in a given ecosystem, lizardsmost sizes and deter rodents of all sizes by entangling their feet whiledisrupting their path of travel.

The netting 4 is preferably in long strands with the first layer havingor defining first through holes 10 of a first size and a second portionhaving second through holes 12 of a second size. The first and or secondholes 10, 12 may be 1/16, ⅛, ¼, ½, and 1 inch in size, and all 1/16 inchgradations between, for example, for smaller snakes and land animals.The first and or second holes 10, 12 may be 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4.5 and5 inches in size, for example, for larger snakes and land animals Thefirst layer 6 and the second layer 8 are preferably connected to oneanother along a preferably continuous first seam 14 and/or of unitaryconstruction with one another. In an alternative embodiment, the firstand the second layer are fully separate or substantially separate andindependent of one another until assembled on site. The strand ofnetting 4 is preferably elongate with a length 16 measuring preferablybetween 25 feet and 200 feet, more preferably between 50 feet and 150feet, and most preferably around 100 feet. Each layer 6, 8 has a width18 that preferably measures between 18 inches and 48 inches, morepreferably between 20 inches and 42 inches, most preferably between 24inches and 36 inches. The first layer 6 and the second layer 8preferably are of substantially equal widths 18 and lengths 16. Thefirst through holes 10 may vary in size, but are preferably are alllarger than the largest second through holes 12. The second throughholes 12 may vary in size, but are preferably all smaller than thesmallest first through hole 10.

Optionally a third layer 20 and/or a fourth layer 22 may also beincluded. The third layer 20 has third through holes 24 of a third sizeand the fourth layer 22 has fourth through holes 26 of a fourth size, asshown in FIG. 5. The third layer 20 is preferably connected to the firstlayer 6 and the second layer 8 along the first seam 14, or to one of thefirst layer 6 and the second layer 8 along a second seam 28 that isspaced from and runs parallel to the first seam 14. The fourth layer 22is preferably connected to the first layer 6, the second layer 8, andthe third layer 20 along the first seam 14, or to one of the first layer6, the second layer 8, and the third layer 20 along a third seam 30 thatis spaced from and parallel to the first seam 14. In a furtherembodiment, the first layer 6 and the second layer 8 are attached viathe first seam 14, and the third layer 20 and the fourth layer 22 areattached via the third seam 30, with the third and fourth layers 20, 22substantially separate from the first and second layers 6, 8, connectedsubstantially only at a vertical support 32. The third layer 20 and thefourth layer 22 may also be unitary in construction with each otherand/or with the first layer 6 and/or second layer 8. The third throughholes 24 may be sized a same or different size then either or both ofthe first and the second through holes 10, 12. The fourth through holes26 may be sized a same or different size than each or all of the first,the second, and the third through holes 10, 12, 24.

The invention preferably includes further elements in addition to thenetting 4. According to some embodiments, proper setup of the snarebarrier 2 is very important to the success of the snare barrier.

This type of netting 4 can also be used as a stand-alone trap if notused as the barrier system.

According to one embodiment, the snare barrier 2 comprises the netting2, a vertical support 32, vertical attachments 34 to attach the netting4 to the vertical support, and ground attachments 36 to attach thenetting 4 to the ground 38. The vertical support 32 may include, forexample, one or more metal, plastic, and/or wooden vertical rods, woodenstakes, and/or a fence, like a wooden or cyclone fence. The verticalsupport 32 supports a vertical portion 40 of the netting 4 in asubstantially upright position. The vertical attachments 34 may includea zip tie, VELCRO®, fishing line type cord, staples, glue, adhesives,and other mechanical and/or chemical attachments. The verticalattachments 34 may also include one or more integrated flaps, ties, orpockets that are integrated to the netting 4 and attach to or fit aroundthe vertical supports 32. The ground attachments 38 may include lawnstaples 39, weights 37, tent like stakes, or other weighted and/orground penetrating attachments. Chemical and or adhesive groundattachments 36 may also be used, especially in situations where some orall of the snare barrier 2 extends over rock or concrete ground 38. Theground attachments 38 facilitate at least a part of a horizontal portion42 of the netting 4 maintaining contact with the ground 38.

According to one embodiment the snare barrier 2 could be sold in a kit.The kit would preferably include at least 1 section of 7 ft×100 ft clear(or same color as environment, for example) netting 4 (preferablyavailable in multiple colors). The sizes and color could vary. Thenetting 4 would preferably comprise the first layer 6 and the secondlayer 8 attached at the first seam 14. The kit would also preferablyinclude, for example, approximately 50 lawn staples 39 or other groundattachments 36. Alternatively, the netting 4 could have built in weights37 along the length of the netting 4, preferably along the middlesection or at the first seam 14 either continuously or around every 1 to2 feet, for example, to function as the ground attachment 36 viagravity. The kit would also preferably include vertical attachments 34such as approximately 25 zip ties or other means to attach the netting 4to the vertical support 32. Alternatively, the netting 4 could haveadhesive affixed along a length 16 of the netting, for example along along edge 44 of the vertical portion 40 of the netting, to affix thenetting 4 directly to a vertical support 32 such as a fence, and/oradhesive could be intermittently affixed along widths 18 of the netting4 to affix the netting 4 directly to a vertical support 32 such as postsor rods. According to one embodiment, the kit could also include stakesor some other vertical support 32. According to other embodiments, thevertical support 32 might already be present at the user's property(e.g., a fence). According to a further embodiment, the land animalsnare barrier kit comprises a first layer of netting 6 and a secondlayer of netting 8, with the first layer 6 defining first through holes10 of a first size, the second layer 8 defining second through holes 12of a second size, the first size being larger than the second size andthe first layer 6 having each edge substantially not connected to anyedge of the second layer 8; a vertical support 32; and a plurality ofvertical attachments 34 to attach the netting 4 to the vertical support32.

The netting 4 grid square design which defines the through holes 10, 12,24, 26 is important to the snare barrier's 2 effectiveness of trappingor deterring a wide variety of rodents and reptiles.

A benefit of the netting 4 being translucent is that it remainssubstantially unseen. This netting 4 can also be produced in multiplecolors to further satisfy a user's needs for low visibility whilemaintaining protection. For example, a user may prefer green netting 4in an area where the user has a lot of green in the user's yard or treeline facing the woods. The snare barrier 2 can be an effectivetrap/barrier system while remaining substantially effectively invisiblefrom afar and highly unseen up close.

The netting 4 may be used on the inside or outside of fence lines ifused in barrier fashion. Also the netting 4 can be used as a standalonetrap in areas a user wishes to protect from reptiles such as snakes ofall sizes.

In other embodiments, the snare barrier 2 may include an netting sensor46, such as a game camera or other camera and/or motion detection sensortechnology, for example, with wireless or wired technology, including1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, and LTE cellular, WiFi, radio, BLUETOOTH®, fiber-optic,coaxial cable, satellite, and internet, for example to alert a user or aservice provider when a snake or other animal has become ensnared withthe snare barrier 2, or that a limb or other object has fallen on andbreached or otherwise compromised the snare barrier 2 potentiallyallowing animals to traverse the snare barrier 2. The netting sensor 46may be powered by the user's AC line, and/or battery and/or photovoltaiccells, for example. The netting sensor may send an alert messagedirectly to the user or a service provider, or the netting sensor maysend an alert message to a receiver at the user's home, that may thenalert the user to call the service provider or that may contact the uservia wired or wireless technology.

In further embodiments where the snare barrier 2 is intended to functionas a trap, rodent urine or other attractant for snakes or rodents maybeapplied to or around or impregnated in the netting 4 or other part ofthe snare barrier 2. Additionally/or alternatively a reptile and orrodent repellent may be applied to or around or impregnated in thenetting 4 or other part of the snare barrier 2, especially when thesnare barrier 2 is intended to function as a barrier.

According to one embodiment, the netting 4 functions to entangle rodentsand trap most reptiles. Lawn staple 39 ground attachments 36 may act tosecure bottom edge 48 of netting 4 to the ground. Zip tie verticalattachments 34 may act to secure a top edge 50 of the netting 4 to thevertical support 32 such as an existing fence. Zip ties are preferablevertical attachments 34 for securing the netting to cyclone/chain-linkand wrought iron fencing vertical support 32. If an existing fence 32happens to be a wooden privacy fence, then a staple gun functions toattach staples 34 the top edge 50 of the netting to the fence 32.

One advantage of one embodiment of the snare barrier 2 is its ability totrap or deter varying size reptiles and rodents. Another advantage ofone embodiment of the snare barrier 2 is its low visual impact because,for example, of the style of translucent and/or environment matchingcolor of the netting 4 and its grid size/pattern with preferably andrelatively large through hole 10, 12, 24, 26 of preferably at least ⅛inches wide. The netting 4 design has deterring abilities as well ascatching abilities.

Preferably the zip ties 34 and lawn staples 36 hold the netting 4 in away that deters rodents that try to run or crawl through the netting 4or reptiles that try to crawl or slither through.

The netting is preferably translucent (preferably plastic) and has agrid pattern designed to trap snakes and lizards of varying sizes anddeter rodents from entering the protected area. Current technology willnot necessarily capture smaller snakes or deter rodents like disclosedsnare barrier 2. The different sized through holes 10, 12, 24, 26 of thefirst and second layers 6, 8 block and/or snare multiple sized rodentsand reptiles. Where applicable, different sized through holes 10, 12,24, 26 on third, and/or fourth (and/or fifth and/or sixth) layers 20,22, for example, provide for effective snaring for a broad range ofreplies. A preferred embodiment of the snare barrier 2 has first,second, and third layers 6, 8, 20 attached to one another along thefirst seam 14, with the first layer 6 having largest through holes 10,the second layer 8 having medium through holes 12, and the third layer20 having smallest through holes 24. The smallest snakes in a givenenvironment pass through the first and second through holes 10, 12 andare snared by the netting 4 of the third through holes 24. Medium sizedsnakes in a given environment pass through the first through holes 10and are snared by the netting 4 of the second through holes 12. Thelargest snakes in a given environment are snared by the netting 4 of thefirst through holes 10.

Lawn staples 39 are a simple and cost effective ground attachment 36,but other items such as tent stakes could be used. Zip ties are asimple, quick, and cost effective vertical attachment 34, but otheritems such as fishing line, rope, string, twist-ties etc. could be used.Zip ties additionally produce a very reliable hold between the netting 4and the vertical support 32.

Using the snare barrier 2. To use the snare barrier, a user willpreferably first assess the area to be protected by the snare barrier 2.This helps determine which setup will be needed. Three exemplaryscenarios follow, but other embodiments of use are possible. Though thesteps of the three scenarios are listed ordinally, and such order ispreferable, the steps do not necessarily have to be done in the orderlisted.

According to further embodiments the first layer 6 and the second layer8 are separate from or not connected to one another until assembled asthe snare barrier 2 on site and then are attached to one another throughthe vertical attachments 34 attached to vertical support 32, and groundattachments 38 attached to the ground. According to further embodimentseach layer 6, 8 has a width 18 that preferably measures between 9 inchesand 24 inches, more preferably between 12 inches and 21 inches, mostpreferably between 15 inches and 18 inches. According to a furtherembodiment, the vertical and/or surface attachments 34, 38 may includestaples, bull rings, zip ties, tape, and silicone glue. According to afurther embodiment, the thin netting cord 52 may be preferably between0.25 mm and 2.0 mm in diameter, more preferably between 0.35 mm and 1.5mm in diameter, most preferably between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm in diameter.

Though the first and second through holes 10, 12 are shown in a squareshape in the Figures, other shapes are contemplated based on snakes tobe snared and or environment to be deployed. For example, the first andsecond through holes 10, 12 may be triangular, non-square rectangular,pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, and/or other regular polygon shapedfor example. The first and second through holes 10, 12 may also benon-circular elliptical, circular, and/or non-regular shaped polygon.The first and second through holes 10, 12 may have different shapes ondifferent layers 6, 8 and/or different shapes on the same layer 6, 8.For larger snakes and land animals, the holes can measure.

THE FIRST SCENARIO is for using the snare barrier 2 withresidential/commercial property with a cyclone/chain link fence 32.First, the user measures the linear feet in which the fence line runs orthe area in which the user wishes to protect. Preferably the users useenough netting 4 material to cover the linear feet distance plus 2 ft.Panels are preferably 100 ft long, though other lengths are possible.

Second, the user will preferably ensure that the area along the outsideof the user's fencing 32 has been cleared of debris and obstacles(weeds, rocks, etc.), as such debris and obstacles may diminish theeffectiveness of the snare barrier 2.

Third, the user will unroll the netting 4 on the ground 38 in front ofthe fence line leaving approximately one linear foot of netting to theoutside of each edge of the user's fence 32 for start and end points.

Fourth, the user will fold the netting along the first seam 14 bygrabbing the edge furthest from the fence 32 and folding one time upwardtoward the edge closest to the fence 32 so the edges meet. When the userfolds the netting 4, the larger through holes 10 of the netting 4 shouldbe preferably facing away from the property the user is protecting(normally considered facing “out”), such as a house and/or yard, whereasthe smaller through holes 12 of the netting 4 should preferably befacing toward the property the user is protecting, such as a houseand/or yard, (normally considered facing “in”). This will allow smallerreptiles to pass through the first layer 6 and become caught in thesecond layer 8.

Fifth, beginning on one end, the user will grab the unfolded edges ofthe netting 4 closest to the fence 32, measure approximately one to oneand a half feet up from the ground 38 and attach both edges with zipties 34 to the fence 32, which will leave a remaining horizontal portion42 of the netting 4 hanging loosely and the 1 ft overhang. Though zipties are preferred, other vertical attachments 34 are possible,including wire, twine, glue, and tape.

Sixth, the user will continue attaching upper edges of the netting 4 tothe fence 32 with zip ties 34 approximately every 6 ft, removing amajority of the netting 4 slack, until the full run is completed. In theevent that the user has to use more than one section of netting 4 forthe run, preferably the user will an overlap the two adjacent sectionsof netting by approximately 2 ft, securing the overlap vertically usingzip ties, while also still leaving at least 1 ft overhang for the linearvery end.

Seventh, once the upper edges of the net are fully attached and securedto the vertical support 32, the user will press the fold in the nettingwhere the bottom of the fence 32 and the ground 38 meet, better definingthe separate horizontal portion of the netting 42 and the verticalportion of the netting 40. There should be some netting 4 still lyingflat on the ground 38 once this is complete—the horizontal portion ofthe netting 42. It is noted that too much tension on the verticalportion 20 of the netting 4 may make the snare barrier 2 less effectiveas a snare. The user should preferably make sure there is slack on thevertical portion of the netting 40 hanging down to the ground 38.Preferably, the netting 4 gives some with the animal/reptiles movementonce the animal/reptiles have gone through the through holes 10, 12, 24,26. This will cause the animal/reptiles to become entangled while tryingto escape. If the netting 4 is pulled too tightly, the animal/reptilehas the ability to free itself, decreasing its functioning as a snare.

Eighth, while maintaining the slack that the user created, the user willpreferably begin on the end the user started from. Taking the 1 ftlinear overhang left earlier and the lawn staples 39, stakes, weights 37or other ground attachment 36 preferably provided, the user will rollthat netting 4 section of linear overhang to secure any gaps the usermay have between the house/structure and fence post 32 (or otherwise) atthe starting area. The user will then secure the netting 4 to the ground38 with lawn staples 39 or other ground attachment 34. Any spacing theuser leaves between the netting 4 and the ground 38 may allow theanimal/reptile to enter under the snare barrier 2 trap rather thansending the animal/reptile into it, so preferably there is no spacing inthe run between the netting 4 and the ground 38 at that location.

Ninth, once the user has secured the starting corner, the user willpreferably begin securing the netting 4 along the ground 38 with thelawn staples 39 approximately every 5 to 7 ft. The user shouldpreferably follow the contour of the ground 38 and add additional lawnstaples 39 or ground attachments 36 in low dips or places where ananimal/reptile could slip under the netting 4. Although the userpreferably has slack in the middle of the user's netting 4—that is, thetransition between the horizontal portion 42 and the vertical portion40, the bottom edge 48 of the netting is preferably stapled firmly alongthe ground 38 and is preferably be tight from side to side. In thisembodiment, the first seam 14 is the bottom edge 48.

Tenth, once the user has reached the ending corner, the user willpreferably repeat step 8, to ensure the netting 4 is securely attachedto the ground 38. When the user has finished installing the snarebarrier 2, the user will preferably spray the entire area adjacent tothe snare barrier 2 with a grass/weed killer of the user's choosing toprevent overgrowth, which would potentially diminish the functionalityof the snare barrier 2 system. The grass/weed killer will help ensureweeds and grass do not overcome the netting 4 and minimize itseffectiveness by occupying the through holes 10, 12, 22, 24 in thenetting 4. This will also help ensure the snare barrier 2 providesprotection throughout an entire season. By contrast, using weed eaterlawn tools to remove weeds could potentially tear the netting 4 materialand damage the snare barrier 2.

THE SECOND SCENARIO is for using the snare barrier 2 withresidential/commercial property with a wooden fence 32. First, the usermeasures the linear feet in which the fence 32 line runs or the area inwhich the user wishes to protect. The user should preferably ensure thatthe user has enough netting 4 material to cover the linear distance plustwo feet. Panels of netting 4 are preferably 100 ft long.

Second, the user will preferably ensure that the area along the outsideof the user's fencing 32 has been cleared of debris and obstacles(weeds, rocks, etc.).

Third, the user will unroll the netting 4 on the ground 38 in front ofthe fence line leaving approximately one foot of netting 4 to theoutside of the edge of the user's fence 32 for each of start and endpoints.

Fourth, the user will fold the netting along the first seam 14 bygrabbing the edge furthest from the fence 32 and folding one time upwardtoward the edge closest to the fence 32 so the edges meet. When the userfolds the netting 4, the larger through holes 10 of the netting 4 shouldbe preferably facing away from the property the user is protecting(normally considered facing “out”), whereas the smaller through holes 12of the netting 4 should preferably be facing toward the property theuser is protecting (normally considered facing “in”). This will allowsmaller reptiles to pass through the first layer 6 and become caught inthe second layer 8.

Fifth, beginning on one end, the user will grab the unfolded edges ofthe netting 4 closest to the fence 32, measure approximately one to oneand a half feet up from the ground and staple 34 both edges with astaple gun to the fence 32 which will leave the remaining netting 4hanging loosely and the one foot overhang. Though staples/staple gun arepreferred vertical attachments 34 to use with wooden fences 32, othermethods of securing are possible, including wire, twine, glue, and tape,nails, bards, screws and similar mechanical or chemical fasteners 34.The user will continue attaching upper edges of the netting 4 to thefence 32 approximately every three feet, removing the majority of theslack, until the user has completed the full run.

Sixth, in the event that the user has to use more than one section ofnetting 4 for the run, preferably the user will an overlap two adjacentsections of netting 4 by approximately two feet, and secure theoverlapping portion—one netting to another—using zip ties, while alsostill leaving at least one linear foot overhang for the very end.

Seventh, once the upper edges 50 of the netting 4 are fully attached andsecured to the fence 32, the user will press the fold in the nettingwhere the bottom of the fence 32 and the ground 38 meet, better definingthe separate horizontal portion of the netting 42 and the verticalportion of the netting 40. There should be some netting 4 still lyingflat on the ground 38 once this is complete—the horizontal portion ofthe netting 42. It is noted that too much tension on the verticalportion 20 of the netting 4 may make the snare barrier 2 less effectiveas a snare. The user should preferably make sure there is slack on thevertical portion of the netting 40 hanging down to the ground 38.Preferably, the netting 4 gives some with the animal/reptiles movementonce the animal/reptiles have gone through the through holes 10, 12, 24,26. This will cause the animal/reptiles to become entangled while tryingto escape. If the netting 4 is pulled too tightly, the animal/reptilehas the ability to free itself, decreasing its functioning as a snare.

Eighth, while maintaining the slack that the user created, the user willpreferably begin on the end the user started from. Taking the 1 ftlinear overhang left earlier and the lawn staples 39, stakes, weights 37or other ground attachment 36 preferably provided, the user will rollthat netting 4 section of linear overhang to secure any gaps the usermay have between the house/structure and fence post 32 (or otherwise) atthe starting area. The user will then secure the netting 4 to the ground38 with lawn staples 39 or other ground attachment 34. Any spacing theuser leaves between the netting 4 and the ground 38 may allow theanimal/reptile to enter under the snare barrier 2 trap rather thansending the animal/reptile into it, so preferably there is no spacing inthe run between the netting 4 and the ground 38 at that location.

Ninth, once the user has secured the starting corner, the user willpreferably begin securing the netting 4 along the ground 38 with thelawn staples 39 approximately every 5 to 7 ft. The user shouldpreferably follow the contour of the ground 38 and add additional lawnstaples 39 or ground attachments 36 in low dips or places where ananimal/reptile could slip under the netting 4. Although the userpreferably has slack in the middle of the user's netting 4—that is, thetransition between the horizontal portion 42 and the vertical portion40, the bottom edge 48 of the netting is preferably stapled firmly alongthe ground 38 and is preferably be tight from side to side. In thisembodiment, the first seam 14 is the bottom edge 48.

Tenth, once the user has reached the ending corner, the user willpreferably repeat step 8, to ensure the netting 4 is securely attachedto the ground 38. When the user has finished installing the snarebarrier 2, the user will preferably spray the entire area adjacent tothe snare barrier 2 with a grass/weed killer of the user's choosing toprevent overgrowth, which would potentially diminish the functionalityof the snare barrier 2 system. The grass/weed killer will help ensureweeds and grass do not overcome the netting 4 and minimize itseffectiveness by occupying the through holes 10, 12, 22, 24 in thenetting 4. This will also help ensure the snare barrier 2 providesprotection throughout an entire season. By contrast, using weed eaterlawn tools to remove weeds could potentially tear the netting 4 materialand damage the snare barrier 2.

THE THIRD SCENARIO is for using the snare barrier 2 as a standalonesnare barrier or trap, that is, where the netting 4 is not supported bya fence 32, for example. First, the user measures the linear feet inwhich the user wishes to protect. Preferably the user uses enoughnetting 4 material to cover the linear feet distance plus two feet.Netting 4 panels are preferably 100 ft long, though other lengths arepossible.

Second, the user will preferably ensure that the area along and adjacentto where the snare barrier 2 will run is cleared of debris and obstacles(weeds, rocks, etc.).

Third, the user will unroll the netting 4 on the ground 38 to the user'sdesired start and end points.

Fourth, the user will fold the netting 4 along the first seam 14 bygrabbing the edge furthest from area being protected and folding onetime upward toward the edge closest to the area being protected so theedges meet. When the user folds the netting 4, the larger through holes10 of the netting 4 should be preferably facing away from the propertythe user is protecting (normally considered facing “out”), whereas thesmaller through holes 12 of the netting 4 should preferably be facingtoward the property the user is protecting (normally considered facing“in”). This will allow smaller reptiles to pass through the first layer6 and become caught in the second layer 8

Fifth, the folded edge or the first seam 14 should preferably be on thebottom edge 48 to ensure maximum coverage along the ground 38 where thelawn staples 39 or other ground attachments 36 are going to attach thenetting 4 to the ground 38.

Sixth, starting on one linear end of the netting 4, the user will drivepreferably half of a two to three foot wooden stake, or other verticalsupport 32, into the ground 38 approximately every 5-7 ft along theperimeter of the area the snare barrier 2 trap is set up in.

Seventh, once the user has placed the stakes or other vertical supports32 in/on the ground, the user will start on one linear end of thenetting 4 and pick the two separate edges up together and wrap them overthe top of the stake or other vertical support 32. The user willpreferably staple 34 or otherwise affix the netting 4 to the flat top ofthe stake 32. This will preferably be repeated for each or most stakes32 the user has, preferably ensuring that the user has not pulled thenetting 4 too tight. The user will preferably use moderate tension.

Eighth, to better attach pieces of netting 4, the user will preferablyroll up the two separate pieces of netting 4 like a jellyroll or acigarette before the user staples 34 the netting 4 on the top of thestake 32 (this will give the staple more grab on the netting and providea more secure/longer-lasting hold).

Ninth, the user will then secure the netting 4 to the ground 38 withlawn staples 39 or other ground attachment 34. Any spacing the userleaves between the netting 4 and the ground 38 may allow theanimal/reptile to enter under the snare barrier 2 trap rather thansending the animal/reptile into it, so preferably there is no spacing inthe run between the netting 4 and the ground 38 at that location.

Tenth, once the user has secured the starting corner, the user willpreferably begin securing the netting 4 along the ground 38 with thelawn staples 39 approximately every 5 to 7 ft. The user shouldpreferably follow the contour of the ground 38 and add additional lawnstaples 39 or ground attachments 36 in low dips or places where ananimal/reptile could slip under the netting 4. Although the userpreferably has slack in the middle of the user's netting 4—that is, thetransition between the horizontal portion 42 and the vertical portion40, the bottom edge 48 of the netting is preferably stapled firmly alongthe ground 38 and is preferably tight from side to side. In thisembodiment, the first seam 14 is the bottom edge 48.

Eleventh, once the user has reached the ending corner, the user willpreferably repeat step eight, to ensure the netting 4 is securelyattached to the ground 38. When the user has finished installing thesnare barrier 2, the user will preferably spray the entire area adjacentto the snare barrier 2 with a grass/weed killer of the user's choosingto prevent overgrowth, which would potentially diminish thefunctionality of the snare barrier 2 system. The grass/weed killer willhelp ensure weeds and grass do not overcome the netting 4 and minimizeits effectiveness by occupying the through holes 10, 12, 22, 24 in thenetting 4. This will also help ensure the snare barrier 2 providesprotection throughout an entire season. By contrast, using weed eaterlawn tools to remove weeds could potentially tear the netting 4 materialand damage the snare barrier 2.

The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may explicitly bepracticed in the absence of any element which is not specificallydisclosed herein. While various embodiments of the present inventionhave been described in detail, it is apparent that various modificationsand alterations of those embodiments will occur to and be readilyapparent those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expresslyunderstood that such modifications and alterations are within the scopeand spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the appendedclaims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in variousother related ways. In addition, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items while only the terms “consisting of” and“consisting only of” are to be construed in the limitative sense.

Wherefore, I/we claim:
 1. A snake snare barrier comprising: a firstlayer of netting and a second layer of netting; the first layer defininga first plurality of through holes of a first size; the second layerdefining a second plurality of through holes of a second size; thenetting being flexible under its own weight along substantially anentire length and width, the netting being capable of being unrolledalong the length and draped across a top of a vertical support, and thenetting substantially conforming to a shape of the vertical supportunder its own weight after being draped thereupon; the first layerhaving each edge substantially not connected to any edge of the secondlayer; and each layer has a width that measures between 9 inches and 24inches.
 2. The snare barrier of claim 1 wherein the first size is atleast 20% larger than the second size.
 3. The snare barrier of claim 1wherein substantially all of the through holes in the first layer arelarger than substantially all of the through holes in the second layer.4. The snare barrier of claim 1 wherein the netting further comprises athird layer defining a third plurality of through holes of a third size.5. The snare barrier of claim 4 wherein substantially all of the throughholes in the first layer are larger than substantially all of thethrough holes in the second layer, and substantially all of the throughholes of the second layer are larger than substantially all of thethrough holes of the third layer.
 6. The snare barrier of claim 4wherein the second layer is between the first layer and the third layer.7. The snare barrier of claim 4 wherein the netting further comprises afourth layer defining through holes of a fourth size.
 8. The snarebarrier of claim 7 wherein substantially all of the through holes in thefirst layer are larger than substantially all of the through holes inthe second layer; substantially all of the through holes of the secondlayer are larger than substantially all of the through holes of thethird layer; substantially all of the through holes of the third layerare larger than substantially all of the through holes of the fourthlayer; the second layer is between the first layer and the third layer;and the third layer is between the second layer and the fourth layer. 9.The snare barrier of claim 7 wherein the first through holes are between1 inch wide and ¾ inch wide; the second through holes are between ¾ inchwide and ½ inch wide; the third through holes are between ½ inch wideand ¼ inch wide; and the fourth through holes are between ¼ inch wideand ⅛ inch wide.
 10. The snare barrier of claim 1 further comprising oneor more vertical supports to attach to the netting.
 11. The snarebarrier of claim 1 further comprising one or more ground attachments toattach the netting to the ground.
 12. The snare barrier of claim 1wherein the netting is made from netting material that is one ofsubstantially transparent and substantially translucent.
 13. The snarebarrier of claim 1 wherein the first layer and the second layer areconnected to one another via a plurality of vertical attachments, thevertical attachments attaching the netting to vertical supports.
 14. Thesnare barrier of claim 1 wherein the first layer and the second layerare each between 18 inches and 48 inches wide.
 15. A snake snare barrierkit comprising: a first layer of netting and a second layer of netting,with the first layer defining first through holes of a first size, thesecond layer defining second through holes of a second size, the firstsize being larger than the second size and the first layer having eachedge substantially not connected to any edge of the second layer; avertical support; the netting being formed of plastic netting cord thatis less than 1.5 mm in diameter, and the netting being flexible alongsubstantially an entire length and width, and capable of being unrolledand draped across a top of the vertical support; and a plurality ofvertical attachments to attach the netting to the vertical support. 16.The snare barrier kit of claim 15 further comprising one or more groundattachments to attach the netting to a ground surface, and the firstlayer having a length and width substantially the same as a length andwidth of the second layer.
 17. The snare barrier kit of claim 16 whereinthe one or more ground attachments is one of a weight, a lawn staple,and a stake.
 18. The snare barrier kit of claim 16 wherein the nettingfurther comprises a third layer defining third through holes of a thirdsize, and the second size being larger than the third size, and thefirst layer, the second layer, and the third layer being substantiallynot connected to one another.
 19. The snare barrier kit of claim 16further comprising netting sensor that detects and transmits alerts whenan animal is snared in the netting.
 20. A method for blocking or snaringsnakes comprising: attaching a flexible plastic netting to a verticalsupport with vertical attachments along a perimeter to be protected;wherein the netting has a first layer and a second layer, with the firstlayer defining first through holes of a first size, the second layerdefining second through holes of a second size, and the first size beinglarger than the second size, each layer has a width that measuresbetween 9 inches and 24 inches, and a majority of each edge of the firstlayer is not connected to any edge of the second layer.